Bill H.3346
188th (2013 - 2014)

An Act relative to parity of treatment with substance abuse

Bill Title: An Act relative to parity of treatment with substance abuse

By Mr. Golden of Lowell, a petition (accompanied by bill, House, No. 3346) of Thomas A. Golden, Jr. and others for legislation to provide insurance coverage for chemical dependency, including alcoholism, within the Division of Medical Assistance. Health Care Financing.

Chapter 118E of the General Laws, is hereby amended by inserting after section 10G, the following section:-

Section. 10H. Required Care for Behavioral Health.

A group health insurance policy providing coverage for hospital or medical expenses shall provide coverage for expenses arising from treatment for chemical dependency, including alcoholism, and for mental or nervous conditions at the same level as, and subject to limitations no more restrictive than, those imposed on coverage or reimbursement of expenses arising from treatment for other medical conditions.

The coverage may not be made subject to treatment limitations, limits on total payments for treatment, limits on duration of treatment or financial requirements unless similar limitations or requirements are imposed on coverage of other medical conditions. The coverage of eligible expenses may be limited to treatment that is medically necessary as determined under the policy for other medical conditions.

Nothing in this section requires coverage for:

(A) Educational or correctional services or sheltered living provided by a school or halfway house;

(B) A long-term residential mental health program that lasts longer than 45 days;

(C) Psychoanalysis or psychotherapy received as part of an educational or training program, regardless of diagnosis or symptoms that may be present;

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